Not that the Smurfs ever really went away, they’ve been popular consistently for decades, but they’re back like never before. Paramount’s Smurfs reboot of the franchise features a brand new visual style that’s different from other big-screen Smurfs movies, but it also has an expanded storyline that introduces new characters and a bigger mythology. It was a challenge, but a fun one for director Chris Miller and voice actors Nick Offerman, John Goodman, and Xolo Maridueña, who I spoke with recently.
In Smurfs, Smurfette, No Name Smurf, and others in Smurf Village must spring into action when Papa Smurf is kidnapped by Razamel, the evil brother of their foe, Gargamel. Joined by new friends, long-lost family, and unexpected allies, the Smurfs must discover who they really are to determine their true destiny.
It was a real treat to sit down with Goodman, who voices Papa Smurf; Offerman, who voices his long-lost brother Ken; Maridueña, who voices Brainy Smurf; and Miller, about the fun they had with Smurfs.
Goodman talked about how playing Papa Smurf fits in with his other patriarch roles, whole Offerman revealed what kind of Smurf he would be if he woke up one day in Smurf Village. Maridueña accepted that his role as Brainy Smurf fits following his performance as Blue Beetle. Miller and I talked about how Smurfs advances live-action/animation technology, something he knows about after working on Cool World in the ’90s.
Smurfs is open in theaters now! Check out the interviews below, and please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel!
